Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Trust Betrayed: Understanding Illegal Dismissal Based on Loss of Confidence in the Philippines
When can an employer validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of confidence? The Supreme Court explains the rules and limits in Wah Yuen Restaurant v. Jayona.
Co-Owner Redemption Rights: When Actual Knowledge Overrides Written Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal redemption rights of co-owners, actual knowledge vs written notice, and laches in property sales.
Dismissal Denied: Why Properly Stating Your Cause of Action Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on constructive dismissal in a security guard's case and why precise legal claims are crucial.
Estafa Liability and the Need for Pre-Existing Fraudulent Intent in Business Dealings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that estafa requires false pretenses made before or simultaneously with the fraud, not mere subsequent breach.
Forum Shopping One Bite at the Apple in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court barred a co-owner's legal redemption claim for being filed seven years after actual knowledge of the sale, applying laches and the relaxed written notice rule.
Default Judgments and Proper Appeals: Navigating Procedural Errors in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court treats default judgments, appeal errors, and legal redemption deadlines in Philippine civil procedure.
Administrative Accountability: When Can You File a Complaint Against a Philippine Court Employee
Learn when a complaint against court personnel prospers or fails, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Mikrostar Industrial Corporation v. Mabalot.
When Supervisors Abuse Authority: Labor Code Grounds for Valid Dismissal
A supervisor who made subordinates work at his house and lent money at high interest was validly dismissed for breach of trust under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Res Ipsa Loquitur: When Negligence Speaks for Itself in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur allows accident victims to prove negligence through circumstantial evidence.
Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee DUE Process IN Termination Cases
A supervisor’s dismissal for abuse of authority upheld: the Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of valid termination under Philippine labor law.
Eminent Domain and Injunction: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a registered landowner's rights against the government's expropriation claim in Federated Realty v. Republic.
Tax Refund vs Tax Credit: Understanding the Irrevocability of Choices in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a tax refund or tax credit choice becomes irrevocable under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflict of Interest in Disbarment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be disciplined for representing conflicting interests, even across different cases and clients.
Can a Bank Reverse Its Acknowledgment of Full Payment? Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a bank can correct a mistaken acknowledgment of full loan payment and demand the balance.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Employee Dismissed for Conflict of Interest in Unauthorized Work
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of Maynilad employee who did unauthorized paid repair work for a customer, ruling it was serious misconduct and conflict of interest.
Judicial Accountability: A Judge's Duty to Decide Cases on Time and the Penalty for Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows judges must decide cases within 90 days or face administrative sanctions, as illustrated by a 2005 case.
Employee Misconduct and Loss of Trust: When Off-Duty Actions Justify Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
When can off-duty conduct justify dismissal? The Supreme Court explains serious misconduct and loss of trust in Lopez v. NLRC.
Civil Service Eligibility Requirements for Government Positions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified civil service eligibility rules for government appointments, using the Nazi v. Calingin case as a guide.
Fair Prosecution and Due Process: The Prosecutor's Role in Criminal Trials
When a judge allowed defense witnesses to testify without the prosecutor present, the Supreme Court reminded courts that the State is also entitled to due process.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When the LRA Can Cancel a Sham Torrens Title
The Supreme Court clarifies when the LRA and CA can order cancellation of a spurious Torrens title in administrative reconstitution proceedings.
When Administrative Reconstitution Can Cancel a Sham Torrens Title
The Supreme Court explains when a spurious Torrens title may be cancelled in administrative reconstitution proceedings without a separate court action.
When Can an Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls? Understanding AWOL and Due Process
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL without prior notice or hearing.
Unbilled Electricity Consumption: When Can a Utility Company Charge You
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when electric utilities can charge consumers for unbilled consumption due to alleged meter tampering.